Red Wings place Kirk Maltby, Derek Meech on waivers

AP File PhotoKirk Maltby, left, could start the season in Grand Raids and be recalled when the Red Wings have a roster spot due to a long-term injury.

DETROIT -- Kirk Maltby thought he had improved his odds of earning a roster spot with the Detroit Red Wings with a strong training camp and preseason.

Ultimately, the team still had no room for the long-time grinding forward.

General manager Ken Holland said it was a difficult decision to put Maltby on waivers Tuesday. Maltby has until noon Wednesday to clear.

"Malts has been here a long time, quality person, had a good preseason, but we had to make some decisions," Holland said.

If Maltby clears, he will be assigned to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. However, his inexpensive two-way contract -- $525,000 NHL salary, $105,000 in the AHL -- makes him a relatively risk-free pickup for another NHL team.

Maltby, 37, has not decided if he would go to another NHL club, report to Grand Rapids or retire.

"He's been here since 1996, he doesn't want to leave," Holland said. "He'll determine what direction he wants to go when he sees what happens by noon (Wednesday)."

If Maltby clears waivers and reports to the Griffins, the Red Wings could recall him later in the season if they have a long-term injury. His AHL salary precludes him from being exposed to re-entry waivers.

Kris Draper, Maltby's former Grind Line linemate, said his close friend gave no indication on whether he will continue playing.

"He came here and gave himself a chance," Draper said. "I can only imagine what Kenny had to be going through, with everything (Maltby) has done for this organization, for this city, for the guys in this locker room. Great teammate, great friend to a lot of guys in here."

Maltby is one of four players -- along with Draper, Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom -- who have played on all four of the Red Wings' Stanley Cup championship teams since 1997.

"There's a different feeling when Malts is around, he's such a good guy," Draper said. "He likes to laugh, he likes to make people laugh in the dressing room.

"It's tough, we've been together for 13 years."

The club also placed defenseman Derek Meech on waivers Tuesday. He cleared last month but must clear again to be assigned to Grand Rapids.